GSXR750 Ray Walker (leader) CBR900RR Ian Payne

ZX7R Rhys Williams YZF1000 Enzo Cunico

VTR1000 Stewart Forster YZF750 Craig Morley

GSX1300R Wayne Nimmo VFR800 Bruce Saville

CBR250RR Priya Munasinghe VFR750 Danny Kosinski

ZX6 Jeff Hornby GSXR750 Rob Wordie

K100RT Jon Riddett VFR750 Rob & Kirsten (rear rider)

RS250 Danny Carr RS125 Daniel Gee

T955 Colin Coyle CBR600 Steve Philp

CBR250RR Michael Kempster YZF-R1 Roger Stevenson

CBR900RR Mark & Michael ZX2R Michael Kambien

It was billed as a short ride and perhaps this and the magnificent weather had something to do with the 22 bikes and 24 people assembled at Whittlesea. With such a large group, it was no wonder Ray felt a little intimidated, especially as some of the non-members were the "Boulevard Boys".

After the corner-marking system was explained and Rob and Kirsten had volunteered for rear riding duties, we set off up the Yea Road for the brisk run to Kinglake West, then east to Kinglake, Mt. Slide and Toolangi. Although the weather was fine the roads had seen a fair amount of rain over the previous week. So there were some damp patches and the occasional gravel patches over the roads.

Next came the sensational section of road to Chum Creek and Healesville. We continued on to Yarra Junction, where bridge-works over the Yarra slowed things somewhat, before stopping at Warburton. This was only meant to be a brief stop but with so many riders it was difficult to get them all together again. Here we met up with John Clowes (YXF-R6) and Eric Makin (YZF-R6) and a few of their friends who decided to join us for the run over the Reefton and into Marysville. There was also the distraction of so many other bikes in town. The good weather certainly brings them out!

Eventually we headed off, albeit a little cautiously, because word had spread about a police WRX "somewhere" up ahead. Perhaps that’s why Jon left us at this point.

The group began to spread out on the long stretch prior to the Reefton Pub. I kept company with Danny, Craig and Stewart. That is, until the Spur came. Then Danny was gone! Still, the three of us had a good run, even though some sections of the road were a bit damp. The usual regroup at Cumberland Junction saw much gesticulating, wide grins, and prodding of shredded tyres. It was obvious everyone had had a great time.

Off again. Once on the new section of bitumen we were greeted by the sight of "SNOW". Yes, great dollops of the stuff, all along the sides of the road, and, although not that recent, it still looked appealing. Rumour has it that Rob and Kirsten stopped to have a play! We continued on to Marysville for the ‘official’ lunch stop.

With such a great day, weather-wise, the bakery was chock-a-block, so a fairly long wait was required for service. As the time dragged on, quite a few of the riders decided not to wait and headed off home. So when we finally left for Healesville only about half the group remained for the trip through the Black Spur. But what a trip. With very little traffic to impede our progress, a sensational run was had by all. In fact, Ray, Priya and several others couldn’t wait to turn around and do it all again. Craig and Danny were raving, a sure sign they had enjoyed it!

But, alas, this was the end of the ride. So thanks are extended to Ray for leading the run and thanks also to Rob and Kirsten for the rear riding duties.

Ian Payne (Honda CBR900RR)